SAFVC

It is common sense that when one volunteers his service he can expect to play but a minor or bit role. They major roles are normally reserved for the more experienced folks to handle and be responsible for. No one would leave the key posts of a bank or a military installation to a bunch of newbies and volunteers. However, the fate of Singaporeans now lies in the hand of these newbies and volunteers because they are assigned “to one of 17 vocations …. to pick up rifles and patrol KEY installations like Changi Airport’.

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The Singapore Armed Force (SAF) is allowing SAF Volunteer Corps (VC) who have only served 2 weeks of military training to patrol key installations like Changi Airport. In what seems like a huge security risk overlook, it appears the SAF is not aware that any terrorist can easily obtain Singapore Permanent Residency and volunteer himself in the SAF Volunteer Corps (VC) with basic military training for only 2 weeks.

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I would also like to know whether deploying volunteers alongside our NSF, NSmen and regulars post security risks for SAF? Will the security vetting be sufficiently thorough especially with regards to the period of time when the applicants resided outside Singapore? Volunteers need only to do 2 weeks BMT, 7 days qualification course training, and are liable to be called up for 7 days a year. Will the reduced training time be sufficient? Will it cause grievance for our NSmen?

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Other existing volunteer schemes within the SAF allow national servicemen to continue serving beyond their NS obligations, as well as for Singaporeans who are experts from the private and public sectors to serve on the Ministry of Defence's boards and committees.

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Okay first, calm down. Set your hard feelings aside. I know it’s hard to, and you might say I’ve never been through NS so I don’t know shit and should keep my mouth shut. Singapore is a small country, and we need an army to defend ourselves should we ever be at war, but with such a small population it would be hard to make up the numbers needed to form an army big enough that we wouldn’t be pushed over by the enemy. I know all guys give up 2 years of their life just to serve and defend us, and still have to be subject to reservist call-ups even after they ORD, and I truly respect all your determination and willpower that is needed to go through and serve NS.

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Volunteers can choose to serve in wide-ranging fields, from operational deployments such as Auxiliary Security Trooper and Bridge Watchkeeper, to professional roles such as legal specialist staff and doctors — alongside regular soldiers in active units. They can switch roles during their stint and there is no minimum period of service. They are expected to be called up seven days a year.

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The SAF has introduced the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) for new citizens, permanent residents to contribute their time and sweat to Singapore’s national defence, regardless of their gender. On first glance it look like the government is eager to build up national cohesiveness thanks to the liberal open door policy that led to the divide between Singaporeans and new Singaporeans with the latter taking advantage of the benefits of PR for several years before taking up citizenship.

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If one role does not work out, the volunteers will be able to switch to another. Candidates will undergo pre-enlistment screening and face an interview panel headed by Col Tan, who is on the lookout for volunteers with the "correct motivations, mainly the desire to serve".

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During the 2011 general election, new PAP candidate Dr Janil Puthucheary, who became a new citizen in 2008, was criticised by Singaporeans for not having served NS. An interview with him was later published by the media: As for criticism that he did not serve national service, as he became a Singapore citizen at the age of 35, the paediatrician said he has been in public service: ‘I’ve spent the last 10 years saving kids’ lives.’ It is not known if Dr Puthucheary, a PAP MP and new citizen, will take the lead and show a good example by joining SAFVC when it is established. As a medical specialist, he can serve as a Medical Officer in a front-line combat unit.